
Parking sequence for an automatic transmission with an electronic parking brake: First, come to a complete stop, then shift to N gear, engage the parking brake, shift to P gear, and finally turn off the engine. The electronic parking brake is a technology that uses electronic control to achieve parking braking. Its working principle is the same as that of a mechanical handbrake, both relying on the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads to control parking braking. The difference is that the control method has changed from the traditional mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. The advantages of the electronic parking brake system are: 1. The parking brake handle is eliminated inside the cabin, providing more design flexibility for the interior styling; 2. It reduces the operational intensity for the driver.

When parking, I'm used to first pressing the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, shifting into Neutral (N) to relieve the transmission, then pulling the electronic parking brake button to confirm the parking brake light is on, followed by shifting into Park (P) to lock the position, and finally turning off the engine. This process may seem simple but is crucial to protect the transmission from damage due to locking pressure. This sequence is especially critical when parking on a slope to prevent the vehicle from rolling or brake wear. Having driven for over a decade, I've developed this habit, and my car has always run smoothly without any issues. Remember to check the dashboard indicator lights after parking to ensure everything is normal. Developing a good parking sequence is not only safe but also extends the car's lifespan, avoiding unnecessary repair costs. The electronic parking brake is designed for convenience, but it's important to use it wisely.

When I first started learning to drive an automatic car, I was a bit confused about parking with the electronic handbrake. But the steps are actually straightforward: stop the car and keep the brake pedal pressed, shift to P (Park) to secure the position, pull up the electronic handbrake lever or press the button until you hear a click indicating activation, then turn off the engine. Beginners often forget to engage the handbrake first and directly shift to P, which can damage the transmission or make it difficult to start next time. I found that practicing a few times makes it easier, especially when repeatedly operating it during test drives on flat ground. The electronic handbrake is more effortless than the traditional lever, but you need to pay attention to the button's location and get familiar with it. It's important to develop good parking habits, such as observing the indicator light in supermarket parking lots to ensure the car is safely parked before leaving. Safety comes first, as incorrect sequences may lead to minor accidents.

The key to using the electronic parking brake for parking lies in reducing mechanical load. Stop the car firmly with the brake pedal, shift to Neutral (N) to release transmission pressure, engage the electronic parking brake to ensure braking lock, then immediately shift to Park (P) to secure the gear position, and finally turn off the engine. This minimizes stress on the transmission locking mechanism and ensures more stable operation of the electronic parking brake system. Many modern vehicles feature automatic application functions, but manual control is more reliable. Understanding the vehicle's electronic mechanisms helps avoid errors—for example, incorrect sequence on steep slopes can easily lead to rolling risks.


